I am so grateful to have discovered this forum. I am not new to vegan diet, though I fell off the wagon a few years ago and have struggled to get back on ever since.

I am 42 and am now 60 lbs overweight, 40 lbs gained in the last year and a half alone. I have been struggling to stay motivated to lose weight, largely because I was -until now- only motivated by vanity.

But the frequent peeing, the constant thirst and blurry vision have become too obvious to ignore. Also I seem to be picking up every available virus, which is unusual for me. Yesterday, I screwed up the courage to go to the local clinic and ask to be tested for type 2 diabetes. I am still waiting for the lab results - the doctor also had me tested for thyroid, iron and B 12 levels.

Through the PCRM website I have learned the basics of Dr. Barnard's program for diabetes - I'll be picking up a copy of the book should that be my diagnosis.

I know that rye and pumpernickle are better than ww bread, but what about whole wheat pita bread? Also, would bran flakes be too refined? And is caffeine okay with diabetes? I'd like to abandon my sugar laden black coffee, for straight green tea - but would the caffeine in green tea be not okay?

My lab results should be in tomorrow, if there is a diabetes indicator or a thyroid issue, what should I expect from the doctor? I plan on telling her that I don't wish to go the medication route but rather the low fat, low gi plant based diet. What do doctors generally recommend. I'm not very assertive with doctors, as I rarely go , but if I knew what might be hurled at me I could rehearse my response.

I have been reading this forum and find it fantastic, really appreciate all the information and supportive enviroment. I will definately be doing the kickstart regardless of the lab outcome.

RE: New and possibly diabetic
Posted Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 10:55 PM

Thank you Susan for your quick reply - it was very helpful.

The doctor's office phoned earlier and my test results came back normal. However, it's clear to me that some radical changes to my way of eating are needed. So I will be here regularly for support and information.

RE: New and possibly diabetic
Posted Wednesday, March 13, 2013 at 8:19 AM

Just one caveat on that caffeine note: for some diabetics, caffeine can cause random blood sugar spikes. I have no idea why, but my unscientific guess (I'm not a doctor and I don't even play one on TV lol) is that caffeine's stimulant effect causes the liver to release extra glucose as well. So, go cautiously with it and maybe try some all herbal 'teas' - my favorite is Bengal Spice. It's got 'warm' spices like cinnamon but also some ginger and black pepper for that "wake up" hit of energy all without caffeine (no tea leaves).--DebR